What's a Hacker Fare?
A Hacker Fare is when KAYAK combines two separate one-way tickets (often from different airlines) instead of a traditional round-trip booking. The goal is simple: find you cheaper prices and more flight time options than you’d get with a single round-trip ticket.
How Hacker Fares work.
When you book a Hacker Fare, you’re getting two separate tickets:
- Each direction is its own booking with its own confirmation number
- The tickets may be issued by different airlines or providers
- You’ll receive separate confirmation emails for each leg
Important things to know.
Since you’re booking separate tickets, each one follows its own rules:
- Baggage fees differ: Each airline has its own baggage policies and fees
- Change and refund policies vary: What applies to your outbound flight may not apply to your return
- Tickets are independent: If one flight is canceled or changed, the other airline isn’t obligated to accommodate you on the other ticket
- Check-in requirements differ: Each airline has its own check-in times and requirements
Before you book.
- Verify both fares are still available at the displayed price on each airline’s website
- Review each airline’s baggage rules, change fees and refund policies
- For international travel, keep both e-ticket confirmations handy – you may need to show proof of return travel at check-in or immigration
What to do if a fare becomes unavailable.
If the second flight is no longer available after you’ve booked the first:
- Search for a one-way ticket for the remaining leg and book it separately
- Contact the provider you used for the first booking to explore cancellation options
What to do after booking.
Keep both confirmation emails easily accessible. For international trips, consider printing both e-ticket confirmations to have your complete itinerary ready when needed.